The Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, following the protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, against the removal of subsidy by the president Tinubu administration has warned the group against violent protest. The Labour Union had in the last three weeks been mobilising its affiliate members across the country to mobilise its workers for a mass protest on 2nd August, 2023 against the hardship inflicted by the removal of fuel subsidy on the Nigerian masses.
The police in its statement released on Tuesday through its public Relation Officer, PRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP expressed worry over security situation in the country, therefore warn the protesters against aggravating the already fragile security situation in the country through possible hijack of the protest by hoodlums.
Although the police chief said he recognise the constitutional right of citizen for peaceful protest, he called on the organisers of the protest to ensure that it remain peaceful till end void of any breach of security.
The statement by the police partly reads; ” The IGP urges all parties involved to ensure that the planned demonstrations are conducted in a peaceful manner to prevent being hijacked by miscreants, owing to the previous ugly experiences of such protests in most major cosmopolitan cities in the country.
“The IGP, however, acknowledges the grievances raised by the labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua none, in addressing these issues.
The statement added “In light of this, the IGP orders the Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands, and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to engage in fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests.
“A peaceful and coordinated approach is crucial to achieving meaningful solutions and preventing any form of violence or disruptions to public order, should the protests persist, the police boss said.
The police has assured Nigerians that it is all out to ensure that every citizen should go about their lawful activities without fear of intimidation throughout the period of the protest, assuring that all measures has been put in place by the police to safeguard citizens.
The statement explained, “However, it is hereby reaffirmed that any attempt by miscreants to exploit the situation for violent purposes, viz-a-viz vandalism, gangsterism, and extortion, will be met with a firm, professional, and commensurately lawful approach. The Police will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of our country.
“In light of the potential challenges posed by the planned protests, the Nigeria Police Force is fully prepared to deploy all available resources to maintain law and order and to protect the lives and property of our citizens.
“The IGP therefore calls on all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period,” the statement added.
The police call on all stakeholders, including the NLC, TUC and other civil society group to ensure that the protest is conducted peacefully as described by the organisers.
